[The clinical significance of postictal electrocardiographic changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction]

Abstract

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is of critical importance in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Clinical conditions such as acute pericarditis, esophageal rupture, pancreatitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, perforated duodenal ulcer, pneumothorax and status following elective DC cardioversion result in ECG changes that include ST elevation and T wave inversion. This report aims to increase the awareness of non-cardiac syndromes, with ECG abnormalities mimicking acute myocardial infarction, and thus to avoid unjustified thrombolytic therapy. We describe the case of a patient after epileptic seizures and pathological EEG pattern. The ECG showed repolarization abnormalities suggestive of evolving acute myocardial infarction. The cardiac enzymes (except normal Troponin I) were severely elevated and coronary angiography was normal.